(June 12): Philippine troops have enough resources but will need a bit of time to quash Islamic militants entrenched in the southern city of Marawi, the head of the army says.

The remaining members of the Maute group, which is allied with the Islamic State, are confined to four villages in the city and their possible exit points have been sealed, Eduardo Ano, chief of staff of the Armed Forces, said in a televised briefing. Fighting the bandits has been made difficult because of trapped civilians and the military’s concern about damaging property, he said.

“The Maute-ISIS group won’t succeed, but we need the support of all sectors of society,” Ano said. “In a few more days, we will be able to clear the whole of Marawi.”

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